Combination tablet computer and game controller with flexible bridge section

ABSTRACT

An apparatus generally directed to a combination tablet computer and game controller. The tablet computer provides a plurality of sides, in which each of the sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back. The computer game controller provides side structures adjacent the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides. The computer game controller further preferably providing input module apertures and a camera. Preferably, each input module aperture selectively accepts either a game control module or a removable keyboard module. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and the camera communicates with each the electronic game controller and the tablet computer. The electronic game controller further provides an integrated transaction card input feature.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/681,153 filed on Nov. 19, 2012, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/494,801filed on Jun. 12, 2012, which in turn claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/577,709 filed on Dec. 20,2011.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, a combination preferably includes a tabletcomputer and game controller. The tablet computer provides a pluralityof sides, in which each of the sides are disposed between an electronicdisplay screen and a back of the tablet computer. The computer gamecontroller provides control modules adjacent to and confining the tabletcomputer on at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and astructural bridge joining the pair of control modules. The computer gamecontroller further preferably providing input module apertures and acamera. Preferably, each input module aperture secures an instructionalinput device. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent each ofthe at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and the cameracommunicates with each the electronic game controller and the tabletcomputer, the camera selectively captures either still or video images,and the structural bridge preferably provides a communication pathwaybetween the pair of control modules. The structural bridge securing thepair of control modules one to the other and communicating with the backof the tablet computer at a mid-region of the back of the tabletcomputer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of anembodiment an electronic game control apparatus constructed and operatedin accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a back plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 displays a right side plan view, with partial cutaway, of theapparatus of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with various embodimentsdisclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a right side plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1,constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimedherein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an inputdevice of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with various embodimentsdisclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 displays a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of acombination electronic game control and information input deviceconstructed and operated in accordance with various embodimentsdisclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a back plan view of the combination of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, ofan alternate embodiment of a combination electronic game control andinformation input device constructed and operated in accordance withvarious embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of an input devicewith an integrated point of sale device, the input device is constructedin accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 12 displays a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of analternate embodiment of a combination electronic game control andinformation input device, the information input device provides theintegrated point of sale device.

FIG. 13 displays a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of analternative embodiment of a combination tablet computer and electronicgame control, the electronic game control includes a pair of controlmodules linked one to the other by a bridge member.

FIG. 14 shows a back plan view of the combination tablet computer andelectronic game control of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of the alternative embodimentof the combination tablet computer and electronic game control of FIG.13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a combination gamecontroller and information input device directed to controllingelectronic games and entry of information to a tablet computer, alsoreferred to herein as video games, computer and applications games. Theapparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic gamecommunicating with the tablet computer, and an input device forcontrolling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronicgame, and entry of information into the tablet computer. In a preferredembodiment, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structuresadjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer.The input device further preferably includes a plurality of inputswitches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at leasttwo opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, anda bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a threesided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal ofthe tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tabletcomputer is fully nested within the three sided structure.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides an exemplary game controllerand information entry device (“G&D”) 100 capable of being used inaccordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Theexemplary G&D 100 has at least a tablet computer 102 that providing aplurality of sides, such as 104, 106, 108, and 126. Each of theplurality of sides 104, 106, and 108 are disposed between an electronicdisplay screen 110, of the tablet computer 102, and a back 112 (shown byFIG. 2) of the tablet computer 102 operates. The G&D 100 furtherpreferably includes an input device 114.

In a preferred embodiment, the input device 114 provides a pair of sidestructures, 116 and 118. One of the pair of side structures, for example116, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer 102 on a firstside, such as 104 of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 ofthe tablet computer 102. The second side structure of the pair of sidestructures, such as 118, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer102 on a second side, such as 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106,108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102, wherein the first and secondsides, such as 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and126 of the tablet computer 102 are opposing sides of the plurality ofsides 104, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, the input device 114 further provides aplurality of removable game control modules 120 and 122, wherein theremovable game control modules 120 and 122 are adjacent each of the atleast two opposing sides 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 104,106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102, and a bridge structure124, disposed between the pair of side structures 116 and 118, andadjacent the third side 126, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108,and 126, of the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, the removable game control modules 120 and122 may be removed from the input device 114, and replaced by removablekeyboard modules 164 and 166, of FIG. 8. To facilitate the exchange ofmodules, the input device preferably provides a pair of input moduleapertures 170. The removable keyboard modules collectively form a fullfunction keyboard and each provide an auxiliary electronic displayscreen (“ADS”) 168, each ADS 168 having at least the functionality ofthe electronic display screen 110.

In an alternate embodiment, shown by FIG. 10, the removable keyboardmodules 164 and 166 are a pair of touch responsive electronic displayscreens 172 and 174, each of the touch responsive electronic displayscreens having at least the functionality of the electronic displayscreen 110, include the functionality of a mouse pad portions 176 and178, and selectively presents keys of a keyboard 180 and 182 forinformation entry. Preferably, the keys are virtual keys that respond toa touch by a user.

Returning to FIG. 1, preferably, the bridge structure 124 in combinationwith the pair of side structures 116 and 118 form a three sidedstructure 128 (of FIG. 5) (also referred to herein as a u-shapedstructure 128 of the input device 114), in which the tablet computer 102nests, such that the tablet computer 102 is confined by the u-shapedstructure 128, and the u-shaped structure 128 mitigates inadvertentremoval of the tablet computer 102 from the u-shaped structure 128 whenthe tablet computer 102 is fully nested within the three sided structure128.

The G&D 100 of FIG. 1, further preferably includes a video game 130.Preferably, the video game 130 provides a virtual object 132 displayedby the electronic display screen 110, the virtual object 132 isresponsive to input from the input device 114. An example of a responseof the virtual object 132 would be movement of the virtual object 132,or the loading of an alternate computer game, based on a predeterminedsignal provided by the input device 114, or an appearance of acharacter. It is noted that FIG. 1 displays the housings of theplurality of switches, whereas at least some of the plurality ofswitches are shown in the partial cutaway of FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 depicts and reveals the back 112 of the tablet computer 102.Further shown by FIG. 2, is the input device 114, which provides a pairof trigger switches 136 and 138, supported by their corresponding sidestructures 116 and 118 respectively.

FIG. 3 shows that a predetermined number of the plurality of switches140, collaborate with each other to form an input apparatus 142, theinput apparatus 142 controls display of virtual objects displayed on theelectronic display screen 110 of the tablet computer 102. Preferably,the input apparatus 142 is a joystick 142. FIG. 3 further shows that theinput device 114 provides a plurality of buttons 144 and 119 of theremovable game control modules 120, which activate correspondingswitches 145 and 121. The main function of the trigger 138, the joystick142, and the buttons 144 and 119 of the removable game control modules120 is to govern the movement/actions of a playable body/object orotherwise influence events in a video game 130 (of FIG. 1) or analternate computer game.

FIG. 4 shows the G&D 100, further includes a second joystick 146, and asecond button 148, which are provided on the side structure 116,adjacent the trigger 136. While FIG. 5 shows the central processing unit(CPU) 150, of the input device 114.

FIG. 6 shows the input device 114 includes the CPU 150, interacting withthe plurality of switches 152, which preferably include at leastswitches 119 of the removable game control modules 120 (of FIG. 1),switches 117 of the removable game control modules 122 (of FIG. 1), 136,138, 142, 144, 146, and 148 (of FIGS. 2 and 3). FIG. 6 further shows theinput device 114 includes a communications protocol 154 providing thecommunication link between the tablet computer 102, and the input device114. In a preferred embodiment, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)communications protocol is utilized. However, as those skilled in theart will recognize, the communications protocol 154 is not limited to aUSB protocol.

FIG. 6 further shows that the tablet computer 102 preferably includes atleast a CPU 156, interacting with the electronic display screen 110, thevideo game 130, a device driver 158, which facilitates the interactionbetween the tablet computer 102 and the input device 114, and acommunications protocol 160 providing the communication link between thetablet computer 102, and the input device 114. In a preferredembodiment, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communications protocol isutilized. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, thecommunications protocol 160 is not limited to a USB protocol.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary game controller162, in which the device driver 158 and the video game 130 are locatedin the input device 114.

FIG. 8 shows in a preferred embodiment, the G&D 100 includes a firstcamera 184, on a first side of the tablet computer 102, a second camera186, on the back side of the tablet computer 102 (shown by FIG. 9), athird camera 188 on a first side of the input device 114, and a fourthcamera 190 on the back side of the input device 114 (shown by FIG. 9).

In a preferred embodiment, each of the four cameras may selectivelyfunction independently, or may be used in conjunction with one another,and each of the four cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190 are fully functionalin capturing still and video images. Additionally, and preferably, thefirst and second cameras 184 and 186, are fully operative, even when thetablet computer 102 is detached from the input device 114, while thethird and fourth cameras 188 and 190 are fully functional, even when theinput device 114 is detached from the tablet computer 102.

In a preferred embodiment, when the tablet computer 102 is nested in theinput device 114, the first and second cameras, 184 and 186, areresponsive, either independently or simultaneously, to input from eitherthe tablet computer 102, or the input device 114, depending on whichdevice is selected for control of the first and second cameras, 184 and186. Further, in the preferred embodiment, each the tablet computer 102and the input device 114, are configured with a Bluetooth protocol stackcommunication feature, which permits the user to operate the first andsecond cameras, 184 and 186, of the tablet computer 102 with the inputdevice 114, even when the tablet computer 102 is detached from the inputdevice 114. Likewise, when the tablet computer 102 and the input device114 are configured with a Bluetooth protocol stack communicationfeature, the user may operate the third and fourth cameras, 188 and 190,of the input device 114, using the tablet computer 102. In other words,in the preferred embodiment, each of the four cameras 184, 186, 188, and190, may be selectively operated, individually or collectively, whetheror not the tablet computer 102 is nested within the input device 114.

FIG. 9 shows that in a preferred embodiment, the input device 114,includes an auxiliary power source 192, and an auxiliary data storagedevice 194, which preferably includes a cache portion 196. Preferably,the auxiliary power source 192, is a lithium ion battery, which providespower to the input device 114, and the tablet computer 102, when thepower source of the tablet computer 102 is depilated; and the auxiliarydata storage device 194 is a solid state hard drive.

In the preferred embodiment, the cache 196 is sized to buffersynchronized input from each of the cameras 184, 186, 188, and 190, suchthat the auxiliary data storage device 194 may store and retrieveimages, still or video, for display seamlessly, including a simultaneousoutput of video images recorded by each of the cameras 184, 186, 188,and 190.

In a non-limiting exemplary application of utilizing the cameras 184,186, 188, and 190, the first camera 184 could be trained on aninformation presenter, while the second camera 186 is trained on aportion of an audience attending the presentation. The third camera 188,could be trained on a screen used by the presenter for presenting theirinformation to the audience, while the fourth camera is trained on analternate portion of the audience. By simultaneously replaying therecorded presentation, a response of the audience to the information,and sequence of information being presented, may be analyzed forfostering improvements to the presentation.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a video game controller 200,which provides an integrated transaction card input feature 202.Preferably, the integrated transaction card input feature 202, includesa transaction card slot 204, and a transaction card reader 206. In apreferred embodiment, the transaction card reader 206, is a magneticstrip reader, but as those skilled in the art will recognize, thetransaction card reader can be, in the alternate: is an opticalcharacter recognition reader; a barcode reader; an object recognitionreader, or a pattern recognition reader.

FIG. 12 shows that in a preferred embodiment, a combination tabletcomputer and electronic game controller with an integrated point of saledevice 210 preferably includes a tablet computer 212, having a pluralityof sides 214, each of the plurality of sides 214, are disposed betweenan electronic display screen 216, of the tablet computer and a back 218of the tablet computer, and an input device 220, in electroniccommunication with the tablet computer 212. The input device 220preferably provides side structures 222, adjacent to and confining thetablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides214 of the tablet computer 212. The input device 220, further preferablyprovides input module apertures 224, each input module aperture 224,selectively accepts either a game control module, such as 102 and 122 ofFIG. 1, or a removable keyboard module, such as 226 and 228. Preferably,the input module apertures 224 are adjacent each of the at least twoopposing sides of the plurality of sides 214 of the tablet computer 212.

FIG. 12 further shows that in a preferred embodiment, the combinationtablet computer and electronic game controller with an integrated pointof sale device 210 preferably includes a camera 230, communicating witheach the input device 220, and the tablet computer 212. The camera 230,selectively captures either still or video images, and that the inputdevice 220, further provides an integrated transaction card inputfeature 232, which interacts with a transaction card 234, and thatpreferably, the input device is an electronic game controller 220.Preferably, the camera 230 is a first camera, having a lens facing theuser while the user is facing the electronic display screen 216, andincludes at least a second camera, such as 186 or 190 (of FIG. 9),having a lens facing in a direction opposite that of the first camera184.

FIG. 12 additionally shows an application 236, displayed on theelectronic display screen 216, of the tablet computer 212. Preferably,the application 236, displayed on the electronic display screen 216 ofthe tablet computer 212, is a point of sale transactional computerapplication, which interacts with the electronic game controller 220 andthe tablet computer 212.

FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a combination tablet computerand electronic game control 240 (also referred to herein as a device240). The tablet computer 242, preferably provides a plurality of sides244, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronicdisplay screen 246, of the tablet computer 242, and a back 248 of thetablet computer 242.

Preferably, the electronic game controller 250 (also referred to hereinas input device 250), is in electronic communication with the tabletcomputer 242. Preferably, the input device 250, provides a pair ofcontrol modules 252. The pair of control modules 252, are adjacent toand confining the tablet computer 242, on at least two opposing sides ofthe plurality of sides 244, of the tablet computer 242. The pair ofcontrol modules 252, preferably provide input module apertures 254, eachinput module aperture 254, secures an instructional input device 256.Preferably, the input module apertures 254, are adjacent each of the atleast two opposing sides of the plurality of sides 244, of the tabletcomputer 242.

FIG. 14 shows the back 248, of the tablet computer 242, and the tabletcomputer 242, partially positioned within the input device 250. FIG. 14further shows a structural bridge 258, securing the pair of controlmodules 252, one to the other, and communicating with the back 248, ofthe tablet computer 242, at a mid-region 260, of the back 248, of thetablet computer 242.

FIG. 14 further shows that the pair of control modules 252, provide aconfinement boss 262, and the confinement boss 262 provides a fasteningdetent 264. The fastening detent 264, interacts with a retention member266, to secure the structural bridge 258, to the pair of control modules252. In a preferred embodiment, the retention member 266, is responsiveto a catch 268, which preferably is a spring activated catch 268, andthe retention member 268 is preferably a spring loaded retention member268. Still further, FIG. 14, shows that in a preferred embodiment, thestructural bridge 258, provides a communication link 270, which passingsignals between the pair of control modules 252.

Continuing with FIG. 14, in a preferred embodiment, the communicationlink 270, provides a communication module 272, and in the alternative,provides a signal pathway 274, for use in passing signals between thepair of control modules 252. In a preferred embodiment, thecommunication module 272 is a wireless communication module 272, whichoperates in a frequency range of 2.4 GHz. In an alternate preferredembodiment, the wireless communication module 272 is a personal areanetwork. As those skilled in the art, a personal area network (PAN) is acomputer network used for communication among computerized devices,including telephones and personal digital assistants. PANs can be usedfor communication among the personal devices themselves (intrapersonalcommunication), or for connecting to a higher level network and theInternet (an uplink). A wireless personal area network (WPAN) is a PANcarried over wireless network technologies such as IrDA, Bluetooth,Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, or even Body Area Network. The reach of aWPAN varies from a few centimeters to a few meters. A PAN may also becarried over wired computer buses such as USB and FireWire.

In an embodiment that utilizes the signal pathway 274, as thecommunication link, the signal pathway 274 may be in the form of ametallic conductor, a fiber optic conductor, a conductive polymer, orthe conductive layer of a flex circuit. The skilled artisan will furtherappreciate that the structural bridge 258 (of FIG. 14), or 276 (of FIG.15) may be either formed from a ridged material, such as a ridgedpolymer, or from a flexible material, such as a flexible polymer. In apreferred embodiment, when a flexible material is selected, and thesignal pathway 274 is a wired pathway, the signal pathway 274 may becoupled externally to the structural bridge 276, as shown by FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 further shows that in a preferred embodiment, the instructionalinput device 256, may be an electronic game control module 278 (whichmay be either removable, or fixed), or a keyboard module 280 (of FIG.13, which may be either removable, or fixed).

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andconfigurations of various embodiments of the present invention have beenset forth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments of the invention, thisdetailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made indetail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of partswithin the principles of the present invention to the full extentindicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which theappended claims are expressed. For example, the particular elements mayvary depending on the particular tablet computer without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a tablet computer, thetablet computer providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality ofsides are disposed between an electronic display screen of the tabletcomputer and a back of the tablet computer; an input device inelectronic communication with the tablet computer, the input deviceproviding a pair of control modules, the pair of control modulesadjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposingsides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the pair ofcontrol modules providing input module apertures, each input moduleaperture secures an instructional input device, wherein said inputmodule apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides ofthe plurality of sides of the tablet computer; and a structural bridgesecuring the pair of control modules one to the other and communicatingwith the back of the tablet computer at a mid-region of the back of thetablet computer, and wherein the input device is an electronic gamecontroller, in which the pair of control modules provide a confinementboss, and in which the structural bridge comprising: a communicationlink passing signals between the pair of control modules; and afastening mechanism cooperating with the confinement boss to secure thepair of control modules one to the other.
 2. The device of claim 1, inwhich the instructional input device is a removable input device.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, in which the instructional input device is a gamecontrol module.
 4. The device of claim 1, in which the instructionalinput device is a keyboard module.
 5. The device of claim 2, in whichthe removable instructional input device is a removable game controlmodule.
 6. The device of claim 2, in which the removable instructionalinput device is a removable keyboard module.
 7. The device of claim 1,in which the structural bridge is a ridged structure.
 8. The device ofclaim 7, in which the rigid structural bridge is a removable rigidstructure.
 9. The device of claim 1, in which the structural bridge is aflexible structure.
 10. The device of claim 9, in which the flexiblestructural bridge is a removable rigid structure.
 11. The device ofclaim 1, in which the communication link is a signal pathway.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11, in which the signal pathway is a metallic pathway.13. The device of claim 11, in which the signal pathway is a fiber opticpathway.
 14. The device of claim 1, in which the communication linkprovides a communication module.
 15. The device of claim 14, in whichthe communication module is a wired communication module.
 16. The deviceof claim 14, in which the communication module is a wirelesscommunication module.
 17. The device of claim 16, in which the wirelesscommunication module operates in a frequency range of 2.4 GHz.
 18. Thedevice of claim 16, in which the wireless communication module is apersonal area network.
 19. The device of claim 16, in which the wirelesscommunication module utilizes infrared technology for data transactions.